Coastal hills of fog, saltpeter and creativity, of stories of Basque whalers, intrepid overseas sailors and txakoli lovers.

This is Getaria, cradle of illustrious people whose creativity and ingenuity opened new paths. From Juan Sebastián Elkano to Cristobal Balenciaga. Innovators, Explorers and Universals. Accurate strokes in navigation charts and haute couture plans.

Getaria, a small coastal port open to the world. Cradle of the primitive culture of txakoli and its current Denomination of Origin.

“Primus circumdedisti me” you were the first to circumnavigate me. So reads the inscription on the coat of arms that Charles V granted to Juan Sebastian Elkano after he completed the first circumnavigation of the Earth in 1522.

A universal landmark. And a consequence of the personal, ingenious and courageous decision taken by Elkano to return from the Moluccas, where they arrived guided by Magellan looking for an alternative route for the exploitation of spices.

Sailing back to the west of the Moluccas was a decision contrary to the main objective. The waters of the Indian Ocean were Portuguese waters. Forbidden. And circumnavigating the land entailed many adversities: they were exhausted, with a ship “Victoria” about to sink, with the Portuguese threat of death and a navigation through unexplored places. But… he made it.

We do not know if Elkano toasted that feat with txakoli, but we do know that there was txakoli, cider and water in the expedition. It was already a custom on the Basque boats that fished in Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada – “Ternua” for the “arrantzales” or sailors. Once a week, on Sundays, they tasted that saline wine, and txakoli was already associated with significant moments!